I can’t believe in the space of a few years Leicester went from having basically nothing by the way of big vegan events, to now hosting several a year. The 2017 season kicked off with the Leicester vegan festival on April 22nd at the Athena in the city center. This was the first festival of its kind, not to be confused with the Leicester vegan market (different organizers).
The Athena in Leicester
Queuing for the festival
The Athena is a cool venue, I must admit. It was my first time there and I’ve always wanted a peak inside. It’s very conducive to plays / movies – with a big, plush theater downstairs, and a bar and balcony upstairs. The different stalls were spaced out on various levels so you could get a good view of what was on offer.
Vegan curry
Indian food platter
Vegan mac n cheese
Vegan mediterranean food
“Chicken” burrito from Mex It Up
This event had a lot of street food / hot food vendors, which is perfect for me because that’s what I always go for (and vegan cheese, obvs). We tried quite a few new vendors and some that we know and love (Mex it Up). The food was very tasty, but the standout was the falafel (not pictured – Andrew ate it too fast!) which had soft, flavorful falafels, moorish sauces and even cubes of cooked tofu. They also had a bunch of lovely looking focaccia breads which we didn’t try. For me, I really enjoyed my burrito as usual from Mex it Up, full of vegan chicken and lovely hot spices.
HOT sauces
Sosage rolls
Vegan raw cheese
Vegan cakes
Our favourite Vork Pies
Vegan cookies
Sauces, marinades and dressings
We also got quite a few things to go, including a couple slices of cake, a smoked vegan cheese, sausage rolls, cookies and loads of sauces. Be sure to check out my video below for a peak at my vegan festival haul.
It did get very crowded while we were there (lots of awkward bumps and waiting to pass in tight spaces) and there wasn’t much seating, but overall it was a very good event. Personally I prefer the vegan markets that are held in the covered market – but the more vegan events in Leicester, the merrier!
Here is a video of the event, what we ate and my vegan haul:
Be sure to check out these upcoming vegan events in Leicester:
- Leicester Vegan Market, 11-June
- Leicester Vegan Market, 3-Sep
- Leicester Vegan Fair, 18-Nov
Hi Lindsay….Yes it was a good event, and as you say was very busy with lots of people.
One couldn’t be there without sampling foods from the many stands, and I certainly enjoyed the foods I bought.
I did wonder if you would be there – I looked out for you so as to say Hi if I saw you after having been so near each other in Val D’Isere early March, but obviously didn’t.
Anyway, may see you at the Leicester Vegan Market events this summer and later.
The Athena is a lovely building – I remember when I used to go there with my father to see films – a long time ago 🙂
Vance
Hi Vance – yep, I was there but it was so busy I’m not sure I spotted anyone I knew! (apart for the food vendors, of course :). I’ll definitely be at the summer events so I may see you there!
Ooooh yum! The mac & cheese, pork pies and cookies look particularly delicious. I think I need to bake myself some cookies soon!